Facebook, Google limit robo systems that allowed racist ads

FILE PHOTO: Miniature Facebook banners are seen on snacks prepared for the visit by Facebook's Chief Operating Officer in Paris, France, January 17, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer/File Photo

The world’s largest digital advertising companies reined in their automated money-making machines after the systems were shown to spit out ads based on racist and other offensive information. 

Facebook Inc shut off a key self-service ad tool, while Google stopped its main Search ad system automatically from suggesting offensive phrases for targeting. The moves are the latest sign of rising scrutiny of the largest US Internet companies and how their software-driven services and ad businesses are influencing society.